Fan's eye view: Division 1

We have enlisted supporters from each of the 18 first-class counties - plus Scotland - to give their views on the new campaign.

Whether you agree with the verdict on your county's chances or not, you can join the debate on our message boards.

Obviously Dominic Cork was difficult to handle, but he also had a talismanic effect on any team he led.

It is a bit disappointing that coach David Houghton hasn't spent the cash recouped on a big-name signing.

Aussie Michael di Venuto's back injury may prove the final nail in the coffin before the season even begins.

Herschelle Gibbs will hopefully give a brittle batting line-up a more steely look at the top of the order.

Shoaib Akhtar is certain to produce fireworks in the bowling department but much depends on how they cope without England's Harmison and Collingwood.

But the signing of Jamaican spinner Gareth Breese on an EU passport looks a positive move for a club which has struggled with a spinning option.

The acquisitions of Darren Gough and Danish Kaneria alongside the return of Ashley Cowan will add penetration and class to a youthful bowling attack.

Batsmen Cook, Bopara and Pettini are capable of challenging the old guard.

Hopefully, we can get promotion in the Championship and respectability in the National League, but we lack a big- hitting batsman for the cups.

Good form from the returning Matthew Elliott would also help Glamorgan set more imposing totals in their County Championship campaign.

And if Michael Kasprowicz gains in confidence from his recent Australian recall promotion might be on the cards.

The Dragons will also look to learn from 2003's Twenty20 fiasco.

All eyes will be on the return of Shane Warne as captain, and his promising fellow countryman, Michael Clarke.

Warne looks to be back to his best, and will hopefully give Hampshire that competitive edge.

If Dimitri Mascarenhas can reproduce 2003's form, they could win a one-day trophy, but it remains to be seen how they will cope without Robin Smith.

Brad Hodge hit lots of aggressive runs for us last season, but I just hope Australia won't be calling on him as we desperately need him at Grace Road.

South African paceman Garnett Kruger is an unknown quantity and will be useful if he can sharpen up our attack.

There are also the return of derbies with Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Ryan Sidebottom, a very capable bowler, will be keen to prove his worth, while Mark Ealham will complement Paul Franks in the all-round department.

And David Alleyne has been brought in as cover for keeper Chris Read, who remains to prove his worth to England.

This overall strength in depth should ensure Notts live up to their promise on paper, even if the wickets at Trent Bridge remain slightly dodgy.

Skipper Mike Burns has talented young batsmen John Francis and Neil Edwards blending with the veteran Peter Bowler.

The pace bowling seems in good hands, with fit-again spearhead Andy Caddick joining Nixon McLean and Richard Johnson in a potentially potent attack.

Expect Ian Blackwell to once again provide the fireworks as promotion remains the absolute priority.

They have also parted with Darren Gough and Ryan Sidebottom and might have to rely on younger, inexperienced bowlers.

Michael Vaughan and Matthew Hoggard will not play many games.

But Yorkshire can boast an experienced leader in Craig White, a prolific run-scorer in Lehmann and could, at full strength, be a very strong team.

Top wicket-taker, captain Craig Wright, and Ryan Watson, who scored that amazing lightning century to defeat Somerset, are key players.

Eyes are also on the progression of the younger players, spinners Haq and Maiden, and batsmen Watts and Coetzer.

The aim will be to win more than last season's four games, improve consistency and challenge the full-time professionals when games get close.